Saquan L. Evans, 21, of 1818 South Salina St. is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the shooting that occurred about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Coolidge Avenue.

At a morning news conference, Police Chief Frank Fowler said the shooting was gang related. The baby's father, Rashaad Walker is a member of the 110 gang, Fowler said. Evans is a member of Bricktown gang, the chief said.

Evans was looking to shoot a member of the 110 gang to retaliate for a previous shooting, Fowler said.

According to court papers, the victim was sitting in a car seat in the second row of a 2000 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The victim's father was in the driver's seat. The victim's mother and two other women also were in the vehicle.

Rashaad Walker Jr.

Court papers indicate Evans got out of a red Dodge vehicle that had passed the minivan while traveling north on Coolidge Avenue.

The defendant is accused of pulling a black revolver from the pocket of his black hoodie, walking toward the back of the minivan and firing about five to six shots into the rear of the vehicle at close range.

The court papers indicate the rear hatch door of the minivan was opened at the time.

The baby was struck in the head by one of the shots and was rushed to Upstate University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:06 p.m.

Mike Greenlar / The Post-StandardEduardo Vazquez, at left, and his wife Jennette Alende place white balloons at a makeshift memorial for 20-month-old Rashaad Walker Jr. who was killed Sunday. Saquan L. Evans has been charged in the toddler's death.

The court papers indicate the charges against Evans are based on information developed in the police investigation and from an eyewitness who identified Evans as the gunman.

A police arrest report contained in the court file indicates Evans was formally charged at 11 p.m. Monday. The document shows he was read his Miranda rights to be questioned by police at 10:45 a.m.

The police report indicates Evans has a tattoo on his left bicep that reads, "Bricktown - State Street bully." The report also states Evans has a parole officer.

The murder charge is based on an allegation that Evans was intending to cause the death of another person when he caused the death of the baby.

He is due to be arraigned this morning before City Judge Vanessa Bogan.